“It is rare that counties our size anywhere in the country get this award. It is a statement of the excellent system we have and how well you take care of it,” said Meriwether.

His presentation followed a glowing report from the county’s independent auditor. Parry Andersen from the Tigard firm of Pauly, Rogers and Company said the county’s fiscal reports showed no hint of any problems.

“There were no significant items that we thought we needed to comment on this year because it all seemed in order,” he said.

Borowy said the award reflects the dedication of her four office workers. The financial management team tracks about 50 local, state and federal funds that comprise the $28 million annual budget.

“I’m really proud of this department and staff. Everyone does one heck of a good job,” she said.

In 2004, the county received its first GFOA honor. The association bestows the annual award as the “highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

Borowy said the county upgraded its accounting technology in 2002 and that has helped tremendously with recordkeeping. She said the software created by Sungard/H.T.E. of Florida enables every department head to monitor what is happening with funds on a daily basis. She said the two GFOA awards are proof that the added vigilance is paying off.

“We can’t do all of the things that we do without that accountability. We really appreciate what you do,” Commission Chair Rodger Schock told Borowy at the Feb. 6 meeting.

Some of the essential services the county provides to 21,180 citizens include maintenance of road systems, law enforcement, public safety, health care, land-use planning, and forest management.